Persistent UAV Platforms

Persistent assets are employed to assist ground units and
provide real-time, high resolution imagery. Medium Altitude Long
Endurance (MALE) platforms, such as the
General Atomics Predator,
Northrop Grumman/ IAI Hunter and EADS/IAI Eagle operating at medium
altitudes, from 15-25,000' are designed to use multiple sensors on a
single mission. Usually these assets will support operations in a
specific region, Tasked with Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) missions
include, round-the clock gathering of electronic and communications
intelligence (ELINT/ COMINT), as well as, providing communications
support. Since MALE drones are operating at lower altitudes, they
transmit more detailed imagery of targets. As a theater asset they are
also more responsive for retasking, changing their flight routes to
support evolving needs. At their cruising altitude, MALE platforms can
evade most adverse weather conditions. Introduction of deicing
systems, such as those used on
EADS/IAI Eagle-1 and
Thales/Elbit
Systems WK-450 enable mission planners to launch and retrieve UAVs
through adverse weather and icing conditions, which usually hinder UAV
activities at lower altitudes.